Lt Col among six soldiers martyred in North Waziristan

RAWALPINDI: A lieutenant colonel among six Pakistani soldiers were  martyred during a gun battle with terrorists in Spinwarm area of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said that the exchange of fire between the two sides took place on the night between October 4 and 5, during which “six Khwarij” were also killed.

Lt Col Muhammad Ali Shaukat was leading the operation against the khwarij when he and five soldiers were martyred as a result of intense exchange of fire.

Lt. Col. Muhammad Ali Shaukat, aged 43, hailed from Faisalabad. He leaves behind his wife and three sons.

According to the ISPR, all the fallen soldiers had served the nation with valor. Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah had completed 13 years of service, while Akhtar Zaman had served for 10 years.

“Security forces are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our determination,” the statement added.

Earlier, Law Enforcement Agencies(LEA) conducted a joint intelligence based operation in general area Charbagh, Swat District.

During the conduct of operation, after an intense fire exchange, two khwarij including Kharji ring leader Atta Ullah aka Mehran were sent to hell, while one kharji was apprehended in injured condition.

Kharji Atta Ullah aka Mehran remained actively involved in numerous terrorists activities in the area including the Improvised Explosive Device blast on a Police Vehicle escorting the convoy of foreign dignitaries in Swat on 22 September 2024.

Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as security forces in coordination with law enforcement agencies are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country.